2008 Pontiac Vibe Quality Review

The 2008 Pontiac Vibe is proof that small cars can pack an impressively spacious cabin inside their tiny dimensions. The Pontiac Vibe doesn't stop there, however, as Pontiac designers have carved out a well-built, comfortable, and functional interior for the Pontiac Vibe.

According to Automobile, the 2008 Pontiac Vibe boasts a "relatively spacious cabin that will hold five adults." Most reviews read by TheCarConnection.com might disagree with the "five adults" assertion, but even ConsumerGuide reports that "two adults enjoy good head clearance" in the backseats, while the "chairlike height affords sufficient knee and foot room unless the front seats are well back." Aiding overall comfort for rear passengers is the fact that the Pontiac Vibe's "long rear doors make it possible to exit and enter without bumping into the doorframe," according to Kelley Blue Book. For occupants sitting in the front bucket seats, ConsumerGuide points out that the Pontiac Vibe offers "great headroom even with the sunroof, but long-legged drivers may want more rearward seat travel." Speaking of headroom, Automobile claims that, with "40.6 inches up front, 39.8 inches out back," the Pontiac Vibe "beats some luxury cars." Seat comfort isn't bad either, though ConsumerGuide warns "spirited cornering reveals inadequate side bolstering."

The small exterior of the 2008 Pontiac Vibe also hides quite a bit of cargo space, and because of that, Car and Driver reviewers declare the Pontiac Vibe's "utility index is relatively high." Cars.com is impressed that "both the front passenger seat and the 60/40-split backseat fold flat, creating a level, easy-to-clean plastic load floor for cargo up to 8 feet long." With just the rear seats folded, the Pontiac Vibe is able to "offer 54 cubic feet of usable cargo space," says Edmunds, and even with all the seats up, Kelley Blue Book finds that "there is a good deal of real useable space behind the second row seat." ConsumerGuide also loves that "the liftgate includes a handy separate-opening window," and inside the cabin of the 2008 Pontiac Vibe they note "small-item storage is ample."

One area where many consumers may be surprised to find the Pontiac Vibe scoring well is in terms of overall quality. The consensus in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com is that the 2008 Pontiac Vibe is incredibly well put together. Edmunds points out that build quality is "excellent, as most of the interior bits and pieces are sourced from Toyota." Automobile also reports that because the 2008 Pontiac Vibe "is based on the Toyota Matrix, it has the kind of tight panel gaps and quality fits and finishes that few other GM products have." ConsumerGuide adds that the Pontiac Vibe's "cabin finish is good, and sturdy materials are in line with prices." Other reviews praise the materials as well, and Kelley Blue Book in particular loves the "stylish aluminum dash trim."

Unfortunately, the 2008 Pontiac Vibe's excellent build quality can't mask the ever-present road noise. ConsumerGuide considers the noise level "disappointing," noting "there's constant, marked wind rush and coarse-surface tire noise." Car and Driver also cites the significant "roof-rack wind noise" as one of the Pontiac Vibe's low points.